The coronation of King Charles III is being celebrated across the UK, but in many former colonies of the British Empire, the mood is markedly different. The effects of the Empire are still felt widely today, especially for the global LGBTQ+ community. In nations across the world, many are still living in the shadow of regressive laws put in place in the name of the crown.
Uganda is one such nation where homosexuality was first banned under British rule. In recent years, the Ugandan government, with the help of US-based evangelical Christians, has been trying to introduce laws that would further criminalize queer people. John Grace, coordinator of Uganda Minority Shelters Consortium, an organization that provides support to homeless LGBTQ+ people in Uganda, describes it as a “challenging, stressful and scary” time to be LGBTQ+ in their country.
Before colonial rule, queerness was a part of Ugandan culture – many believe that the 19th century king Kabaka Mwanga II was bisexual. However, the British introduced their homophobic laws to Uganda when they colonized the country and never tried to fix the mess they left behind. In its current form, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill would make it illegal to simply be LGBTQ+. Following international condemnation, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni proposed softening the bill to permit people to identify as LGBTQ+, while still criminalizing any act of same-sex relations.
Like many other queer Ugandans, the introduction of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill has resurfaced feelings of anger and resentment towards Britain over its colonial legacy. They feel that the British imposed their homophobic laws on Uganda, leaving behind a legacy of ignorance, hatred, violence, and oppression against LGBTQ+ people.
John’s view of the British monarchy, an institution that is inextricably linked to colonization and its consequences, is that it is an outdated and irrelevant institution that has no place in the modern world. The British monarchy represents a history of colonization, oppression, and exploitation in Uganda and other countries in Africa and beyond. It has not done enough to acknowledge or apologize for its role in the atrocities and injustices committed during its colonial rule, such as the imposition of homophobic laws, the suppression of indigenous cultures and languages, the plundering of natural resources, and the creation of artificial borders that have caused conflicts and divisions.
As the UK prepares for King Charles’ coronation, the LGBTQ+ community in former colonies still suffer from the legacy of the British Empire. It is important to acknowledge the pain caused by colonialism and work towards a world where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
